The effect of Om meditation on sleep quality in menopausal women - A randamised controlled trail

Abstract

Background: Menopause is frequently associated with sleep disturbances and a range of somatic and psychological symptoms, significantly affecting quality of life. Pharmacological treatments provide relief but carry risks, highlighting the need for safe, nonpharmacological alternatives. Om meditation, rooted in yogic tradition, is known to activate the parasympathetic system and promote relaxation, potentially improving sleep quality.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Om meditation on sleep quality and menopausal symptoms in women aged 40–55 years.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 62 menopausal women experiencing sleep disturbances. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 30) practicing Om meditation daily for 30 minutes over three months, or a control group (n = 32) practicing supine rest for the same duration. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and menopausal symptoms were measured using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Pre and postintervention scores were compared using paired and independent ttests, with ANCOVA applied for betweengroup analysis.

Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in both PSQI (mean reduction from 7.9 to 4.1, p < 0.001) and MRS (mean reduction from 13.5 to 8.2, p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d ≈ 0.80–0.88). The control group showed modest improvements (PSQI from 7.7 to 6.9; MRS from 13.0 to 12.1), which were not clinically significant. Betweengroup analysis confirmed superior outcomes in the intervention group (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Om meditation is a safe, accessible, and culturally relevant intervention that significantly improves sleep quality and reduces menopausal symptoms. Its dual impact on physiological and psychological domains highlights its potential as a supportive therapy in menopausal health management and community programs.

Keywords: Om meditation, menopause, sleep quality, nonpharmacological intervention, randomized controlled trial.